Permitting Team Lead - UMIAQ Environmental

Overview

UMIAQ Environmental is seeking an experienced, dynamic Permitting Team Lead to join our Anchorage-based team. This critical role will lead and manage multi-disciplinary permitting efforts for major infrastructure, utility, construction, and oil and gas projects across Alaska. The ideal candidate possesses deep regulatory expertise within the State of Alaska, demonstrated success navigating complex federal, state, and local permitting processes, and a passion for leading high-performing technical teams.

 

In this role, you will serve as the primary strategic and technical lead on complex permit applications, working directly with clients, regulatory agencies, and multi-disciplinary project teams. You will oversee permit strategy, technical review, agency negotiations, and compliance tracking, while fostering strong relationships with state and federal regulators.

 

As a subsidiary of the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), UMIAQ Environmental provides expert environmental consulting across Alaska—from NEPA compliance to remote site assessments. We pride ourselves on a culture of safety, leadership, and professional growth, offering competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to our dedicated team. 

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Permitting Leadership: Lead the development, preparation, and agency submission of state, federal, and local permit application packages for civil construction, utility, and oil & gas development projects across Alaska.
• Regulatory & Agency Strategy: Develop comprehensive permitting strategies, matrix schedules, and risk assessments to ensure projects achieve regulatory approvals on budget and on schedule.  
• Agency & Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact and negotiator with regulatory authorities, including USACE, ADNR, BLM, FAA, and local boroughs/municipalities. 
• Project & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and task technical staff and junior specialists on environmental permitting projects; review technical work products for quality, clarity, and regulatory compliance.  
• Multi-Sector Technical Oversight: Manage environmental permitting workflows across diverse sectors, including oil and gas pads/pipelines, linear utility corridors, gravel extraction, roads, and civil infrastructure.  
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with internal NEPA specialists, engineers, GIS analysts, field scientists, and sub-consultants to ensure seamless document integration.  
• Business Development & Proposal Support: Lead permitting scope creation, cost estimating, and technical proposal development to support firm growth and secure new project opportunities.  
• Compliance Management: Track permit conditions, compliance monitoring schedules, and reporting obligations throughout the construction and operational phases of client projects.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced working knowledge of state and federal environmental regulatory frameworks in Alaska, including CWA (Section 404/401), APDES, Title 16 Fish Habitat, Title 38 AS, ODPCP/Spill Prevention, and local municipal and land use permits.
• Deep familiarization with Alaskan oil & gas development, energy production, utilities, and heavy civil construction permitting mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), tribal consultation protocols, and the logistical challenges of remote field execution and development in Alaska.
• Proven technical writing and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) skills with high attention to detail.
• Skill in negotiating permit conditions with regulatory agencies while effectively advocating for client operational objectives.
• Demonstrated capability to manage multiple complex project schedules, budgets, and staff assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to identify regulatory constraints and risks early in the project lifecycle and formulate proactive, defensible mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8–10+ years of progressive experience in environmental permitting and compliance, with an explicit emphasis on Alaskan construction, utility, or oil and gas projects.
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary teams through complex state and federal permitting processes in Alaska.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites and remote locations throughout Alaska, occasionally in small aircraft or via off-road transport, for up to 20% of the year.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for project management and technical reporting; advanced experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro for client deliverable production.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• Direct experience leading permitting for North Slope, Interior, or Cook Inlet oil and gas developments and linear infrastructure projects.
• Solid working knowledge of NEPA document integration (EAs, CEs, EISs) as it relates to major federal permitting triggers.
• Extensive established working relationships with key Alaska regulatory agencies (USACE Alaska District, ADNR DMLW/SPCO, ADF&G Habitat, ADEC).
• Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations to regulatory agencies, client management teams, and community stakeholders.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending.
• Regular lifting and carrying of equipment or materials weighing 30 pounds or more.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments, including uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity required for data collection, equipment use, and documentation.
• Mental focus and alertness needed to follow safety procedures and accurately complete field tasks.
• Ability to work long hours in remote field locations as required by project needs.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to all types of weather conditions, including cold, wind, rain, and heat.
• Regular field visits based on project requirements.
• Ability to travel to and from job sites throughout Alaska, including remote locations.
• Travel may involve driving long distances or flying in small aircraft.
• Fieldwork may include extended hours, irregular schedules, and overnight stays in remote areas.

#LI-WW1